The 15-minute city | Carlos Moreno

The 15-Minute City: A New Urban Concept

The Problem with Modern Cities

• Many urban dwellers have accepted the inefficiencies of city life, where time is wasted adapting to poorly organized spaces and long distances.

• The speaker questions why cities are not designed to meet human needs, proposing a shift towards more human-centered urban planning.

Introducing the 15-Minute City

• The concept of the "15-minute city" suggests that all essential services should be accessible within a 15-minute walk or bike ride.

• This model aims to transform noisy, polluted streets into vibrant community spaces that promote interaction and accessibility.

Key Questions for Urban Design

• To create effective urban environments, we must reassess how space is utilized and who benefits from it.

• Important considerations include proximity to services like healthcare, education, and green spaces.

Four Guiding Principles of the 15-Minute City

• Ecology: Focus on creating sustainable green cities.

• Proximity: Reduce distances between living areas and essential activities.

• Solidarity: Foster connections among residents.

• Participation: Engage citizens in neighborhood transformation efforts.

Implementing Change in Urban Areas

• Paris is highlighted as the first city adopting this model under Mayor Anne Hidalgo's leadership, emphasizing decentralization and local service development.

• Strategies include increasing bike lanes, promoting local shops, enhancing green spaces, and repurposing existing infrastructure for community use.

Characteristics of a Successful 15-Minute City

• Urban design should prioritize human rhythms over vehicular traffic to enhance livability.

• Each square meter should serve multiple purposes to maximize utility and minimize commuting needs.